Covid-19 business support loans in East totals over £5 billion
The Government says it's helped more than 127,000 businesses in the region.
According to figures released today, 15th October, the Government says it has also supported 207,000 self-employed workers.
They received an average claim of £2,700 as part of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.
In total, more than £3.6 billion has been offered under the Bounce Back Loans Scheme, as well as £1.3 billion under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: "We have provided unprecedented support for businesses and workers up and down the country, protecting jobs and livelihoods.
"Throughout this crisis my priority has always been to protect jobs, and at the Winter Economy Plan, we provided additional help to get businesses through the months ahead."
It was announced last week that the Job Support Scheme will also be expanded to protect jobs and support businesses who are required to close due to coronavirus restrictions.
The Chancellor also revealed they would increase the cash grants to businesses in England affected by local lockdowns to support with fixed costs of up to £3,000 per month, compared to £1,500 every three weeks which was previously available.
Over a million businesses who took out a Bounce Back Loan have also been offered flexible repayments under the new Pay as You Grow system included in the Winter Economy Plan, to allow them more time to repay.
The Government also says the Winter Economy Plan will continue to protect jobs and businesses over the coming months, through steps which include extending the Self Employment Income Support Scheme and 15% VAT cuts for the hospitality and tourism sectors.